Funding for Boise Second Year Law Program and Final Phase of Idaho Law and Justice Learning Center Approved

The Idaho Senate and House of representatives approved, and the Governor has signed, the appropriations bill, which includes $400,000 for the College of Law to begin a second year of study option for students at our program in Boise. The process began with approval from the State Board of Education, moved to the Governor, including the request in his budget in November, his working with the Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee and ultimately the funding of the request.

In addition, the Permanent Building Fund has approved the final $1 million for the publically funded infrastructure renovation work on the Idaho Law and Justice Learning Center (ILJLC). As this work continues, the College of Law will begin plans and work on the tenant specific improvements to the facility. The planned date of occupancy is slated for fall of 2015.

This is an exciting time for the College of Law as our program opportunities for students improve and our physical presence in Boise expands. If you are interested in being a part of this exciting time by financially supporting the College of Law, please contact Terri Muse, Assistant Dean for External Affairs at tmuse@uidaho.edu or (208) 364-4044. Opportunities for memorial or donor recognition within the Idaho Law and Justice Learning Center are available.

Former Idaho Supreme Court Chief Justice Linda Copple Trout ’73, ’77, the first female justice on the Idaho Supreme Court, was inducted into the Alumni Association Hall of Fame. She will be recognized during spring commencement in Moscow at a reception, Thursday, May 15, and at an induction luncheon, Friday, May 16.

Justice Trout holds degrees in marketing, management and law from the University of Idaho.

“Attending the University of Idaho challenged my thinking and caused me to look at issues and problems in different ways,” Justice Trout said. “I was exposed to diverse people, concepts and ideas, which continually reaffirmed the importance of keeping an open mind. As a judge, this ability to look at all sides of an issue is invaluable. My campus experience certainly contributed to my leadership abilities when I was selected to serve as the Chief Justice.”

In 2006, Justice Trout was named Idaho Businesswoman of the Year by the Idaho Business Review. She is a member of the Idaho State Bar Association and the American Inns of Court. She has served on a number of boards of directors, as well as statewide administrative, judicial and bar committees.

Since retiring from the bench in 2007, Justice Trout stays engaged with the University of Idaho. In 2011 she received the inaugural Sheldon Vincenti Memorial Award for Exemplary Service. She has encouraged graduates by speaking at commencement ceremonies in Boise, Moscow and at the College of Law. Justice Trout has served on the College of Law advisory committee and inspired a new generation of UI law students by teaching courses in family law.

College of Law Legal Aid Clinic Offers Help to Moscow Residents

A team of third-year law students from the College of Law Legal Aid Clinic, along with faculty advisors and a local volunteer attorney, is representing residents of Syringa Mobile Home Park in Moscow in an action against the owner of the park for repeated and long term water and wastewater problems. The students sought an injunction against the park owner to force him to repair the park’s water system and to provide bottled water to the park residents until the system issues are permanently addressed. In addition, they requested that the rent paid by residents during the time the water system has been non-functional be refunded and future payments stopped until the problems are resolved. The matter was heard by Latah County District Judge John Stegner who agreed to issue a preliminary injunction. (The Judge’s final order has not yet been issued.)

According to Clinic Director Maureen Laflin, “Our students did an incredible job of representing the clients and responding to the ever changing flow of information. We should be proud of them.” Special thanks to Duncan Palmatier, a local attorney, for his help to the litigation team and to Mark Utting, a hydrologist who served as an expert witness for the residents. More information about the College of Law Legal Aid Clinic contact Professor and Clinic Director Maureen Laflin at mlaflin@uidaho.edu.

College of Law Receives Recognition for Top Programs and Practical Training

In the most recent issue of preLaw magazine, spring 2014, the College of Law was named on the list of top law schools for tax law and for business law. We were also included on the list of best schools for practical training and received a “B” grade for our efforts in that area. This recognition is a testament to everyone’s dedication and hard work. Congratulations to the entire College of Law for this acknowledgment.

UI Names Adams as New College of Law Dean

The University of Idaho has appointed Mark Adams as dean of the College of Law, following a national search. Adams will begin his role effective June 22, 2014. » Read more about Adams' appointment